Bi-amping, maybe??

[tyke]

I've read the technical bits on the forum and understand what is required for bi-amping (I think?)
I am new to the forum so please be gentle with me!
I have a Myryad MP100/MA120 pre/power amp combination, bought new in 2002 (£1100 the pair) This drives a pair of Kef Reference Series 2 loudspeakers. I listen mainly to classical music, together with brass bands.
I am wondering if bi-amping would be a useful addition to my system. The Myryad MP100 has dual outputs, so connecting another MA120 (if I can find one) would be easy. Or a MA240 to drive the bass only?
I am beginning to find the treble a touch on the bright side.
Would anyone like to give their thoughts on the advisability of bi-amping. Must admit this is something I've always wanted to try, but not previously been able to afford.
Look forward to any advice or suggestions to discuss.
Thanks in advance

[struth]

the Kef Reference Series 2 loudspeakers are fairly efficient (90db) and i think minimum requirement is 50w per channel. the myrads put out quite a bit more than that into 4 ohms so you are unlikely to improve things. but no harm, other than your wallet in trying

[Lawrence001]

I've never heard of those Kefs, Reference Model Two yes. I've got a pair coming soon!

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[tyke]

Thank you for the replies.
If I do decide to go ahead with bi-amping (and I can find another MA120 or MA240) what interconnect and speaker cables would I need?
Would I use an identical interconnect to the one I have now, or doesn't this matter?
I currently use QED Silver Anniversary speaker cable to my Kef Reference Series Model Two speakers. Again, would the additional pair of speaker cables need to be identical, or should I use something "beefier" to supply the LF side of the speakers?
Any recommendation for cables would be good, as I have not bought any for some time.
Incidentally, I also have a Quad 34/306 pre/power combination in my workshop! Fully functioning and I run my 30+ year old Arcam Alpha cd player through it, into Acoustic Energy bookshelf speakers. I like music in my workshop.
I wonder how the Quad pairing would sound through the Kefs? Any thoughts, anyone?

As before any advice or suggestions gratefully received.

[Lawrence001]

Although they are not insensitive, the Kefs are a tricky load and really come to life with plenty of watts, I speak here from personal experience. I think the addition of a power amp would drive the bass drivers better and improve the sound. You might find the speakers less bright as a result.

If you buy a second pair of cables I would get some OFC copper ones, van Damme hifi series 6mm square are ideal. I'd start with using them as the bass cables. Hopefully the addition of the second amp will lead to a more balanced sound. If you still find it a bit bright you have the option of swapping the cables over so that the silver plated ones are on bass duties and this would reduce the brightness.

If the 240 amp has the same sensitivity as the 120 I'd go for that, but if not, get another 120.

If it's not easy to find a second amp then get the van Damme cables now and try them instead of the QED. You might find that does the job and save the money from the second amp anyway.

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[hifinutt]

Agreed re van damme cables

[walpurgis]

Agreed re van damme cables

+1 Yes.

[Lawrence001]

You mean +2 [emoji23]

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[walpurgis]

You mean +2 [emoji23]

No. It was a +1 to the response.

And fix your mobile device so we don't have to see all that self promoting post script! ;)

[Lawrence001]

I'm not self promoting, I'm promoting a third party [emoji23] any idea how to stop it as it doesn't appear in the text where I type?

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[Lawrence001]

Right let's try this...

[Lawrence001]

[emoji41]

[walpurgis]

:thumbsup:

[tyke]

Hi and thanks again for the replies.
If I understand correctly you are suggesting bi-wiring? initially.
Seems like the most economical option at the moment. Does anyone have a link for a supplier of the cables or some ideas who would be good to try?

It may be a question of being patient if I want to find a Myryad MA240 amp. They seem to be quite rare. I bought my MA120 new in 2002.

Looks as though I will be spending some of my spare time trawling the internet for 2nd hand amplifiers!

[Lawrence001]

Hi and thanks again for the replies.
If I understand correctly you are suggesting bi-wiring? initially.
Seems like the most economical option at the moment. Does anyone have a link for a supplier of the cables or some ideas who would be good to try?

It may be a question of being patient if I want to find a Myryad MA240 amp. They seem to be quite rare. I bought my MA120 new in 2002.

Looks as though I will be spending some of my spare time trawling the internet for 2nd hand amplifiers!I wasn't suggesting biwiring, just changing the cable to van Damme as your current one is silver plated and might be the cause of your problem. But if that doesn't help then try biwiring. Try both combinations (QED to tweeter and bass) and see which works best.

[YNWaN]

Bi-amping has some minor advantages but is, usually, an expensive way off gaining these advantages. The main advantage is likely to occur when there are strong phase/impedance changes across the crossover of a speakers crossover (between drive units). The reality is that this isn’t a popular choice compared to true active operation or, more usually, just better quality amplification.

[Slawts]

I have the Reference 3.2's and am using and XTC Pow1 that has 4 channels in it so you can use it in stereo either in bridged mode or by biamping.

It sounds better in biamp mode and as mentioned previously the KEF's do like a lot of current up them!

You may improve the sound by buying another 120 but I would be tempted to go for the 240 and unless both together are stunning selling the 120.

The better the power and quality the better these speakers sound.

Cheers